By Manal El Warraky
In an unprecedented move that underscores a long-term vision for supporting professional gamers, the Esports World Cup Foundation has unveiled an exclusive new membership program called “Champions Club.” The club is granted automatically to every player who steps onto the podium at the 2025 Esports World Cup, scheduled for 7 July – 24 August in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A benefits package that goes far beyond competition
From the moment they are crowned until the close of the next tournament edition, Champions Club members enjoy a free, year-long suite of perks, including:
• A distinctive digital ID card that unlocks access to invite-only events
• Concierge services to manage schedules and travel logistics
• A private networking platform for sharing opportunities and partnerships
• Luxury hospitality and travel offers from global sponsors
Members also receive coveted invitations to marquee sporting and entertainment events worldwide—such as the UEFA Champions League Final, Formula 1 races, and the Super Bowl—plus early hands-on sessions with yet-to-be-released games.
Investing in players’ careers
Faisal bin Homran, Chief Esports Officer at the Foundation, emphasized that the initiative reflects a commitment to a sustainable player ecosystem:
“Rewarding performance inside the arena is not enough—although the 2025 prize pool stands at a record $70 million. We also walk alongside our champions afterward, helping them cement their status as opinion leaders and content creators in a rapidly expanding industry.”
Riyadh’s next rendezvous with gaming culture
The second edition of the Esports World Cup will transform Riyadh into a digital-culture hub with a rich program that features:
• 25 tournaments across 24 titles involving more than 2,000 professional players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries
• Live music concerts and nostalgic classic-game zones
• Specialty anime cafés, advanced creator studios, and interactive cosplay showcases
These events coincide with Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing gaming sector, reinforcing Riyadh’s status as a global center for digital competition and investment. With the Champions Club, players are set to step well beyond the podium into a broader world of professional opportunities and international connections.
